Ten Outrageous Fashion Moments at the MTV Video Music Awards

At the MTV Video Music Awards, pushing the envelope has become practically de rigueur. Pop stars and rappers (hardly a tame lot to begin with) jockey to out-scandalize each other, often using their wardrobe as ammunition. Indeed, who can forget the moment in 2010 when Lady Gaga stepped onstage looking like a human meat locker? Or, when, in 2004, Lenny Kravitz had us by turns swooning and cringing at his bare-chested, shredded denim, and feather ensemble.

In anticipation of this year’s show on Sunday, we’ve culled some of the VMAs more extravagant looks from over the decades. Whether eye candy or eyesore, they all deserve a Moonman for “Best Effort.”

The rap duo have since have parted ways but they made quite the pair (one part Oompa Loompa, one part alpine yodeler) at the 2001 VMAs.

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Lenny Kravitz, 2004

Nearly a decade before he assumed the role of Katniss’ trusted stylist Cinna in The Hunger Games, Kravitz was devising his own outré fashion on the red carpet.

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Lady Gaga, 2010

The singer’s carnivore-centric frock was indeed real meat, purchased from designer Franc Fernandez’s family butcher. When asked about the dress, Gaga later told Ellen DeGeneres it was a symbolic gesture, “If we don’t stand up for what we believe in and if we don’t fight for our rights, pretty soon we’re going to have as much rights as the meat on our own bones. And I am not a piece of meat.”

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Macy Gray, 2001

The “I Try” singer took the marketing of her new album into her own hands with this dress that pulled double duty as a promotional billboard.

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Gwen Stefani, 1998

Stefani dyed her famous platinum locks Smurf-blue and donned a fuzzy bikini top to match in this outfit that smacked of nineties rave culture.

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Madonna, 1984

Pop’s proto-provocateur made VMA history in 1984 when, dressed as a bride, she writhed about onstage while performing her hit single “Like a Virgin.”

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Katy Perry, 2011

Perry donned three different ensembles during the 2011 VMAs, but the clear winner was this Atelier Versace mini cheongsam with neon trim, that she accessorized with a parasol.

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Destiny's Child, 2001

Queen B and her then bandmates were known to hit the red carpet in coordinating outfits. Here, they keep up the tradition in Native American–inspired, fringe-laden frocks accented with turquoise.

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Prince, 1999

Never one for understatement, the "Purple Rain" singer struck a blue note when he took the stage in a bodysuit and braids at the 1999 VMAs.